The Editor, Sir:

I am responding to an article published in The Gleaner of January 16, by staff reporter Petrina Francis.

The report quoted Dr. Claude Packer, principal of The Mico University College, as saying, "We are going to rural Jamaica where the teachers are in the bushes, such as Mocho and Chapelton (in Clarendon), where teachers can't come to Kingston but they may be willing to study in the evenings."

It was an understatement by the principal to be calling Mocho bush. Mocho is approximately 25 to 30 minutes drive to the Highway, 15 to 20 minutes drive to Mandeville.

Best road networks

Mocho has one of the best road networks, which is lacking in most rural communities in Jamaica (thanks to Member of Parliament Pearnel Charles). The three main roads leading to Mocho are pothole-free. In addition, numerous taxis ply the May Pen to Mocho route, which makes travelling easy.

The area is not underdeveloped as perceived by those who have not been to, or have not visited the area. I am perturbed by Dr. Packer's statement and I think he was rude in helping to further stigmatise Mocho as bush.

Mocho is way above many rural communities he could have made reference to.

I am, etc.,

A concerned resident

mochoboy@hotmail.com

Mocho P.O;

Clarendon

Via Go-Jamaica